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Yeah that’s right, Ford is gunning for European super cars in 2016 with its third fabrication of its 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans victor, the GT. The Blue Oval hyper-car stole the spotlight at this years’ North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this weekend putting many rumors to rest. If you’re looking for a supercharged V-8, you’re not going to find it here. That’s right, the engineers at Ford have replaced the previous eight-cylinder engine found in the 2005-06 GT with a super-freak 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged V-6! Producing 600 HP in the mid-mounted engine, and launching 0-60 MPH in 3.0 seconds Fords’ GT is a competitive stock in the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

Spectators at the NAIAS we’re in love at first sight when they met the new GT this week because of its exotic breathtaking body design. Ford embraced its revolutionary aluminum infrastructure with super-car carbon fiber technology in the framework to give the GT a striking power to weight ratio. Built to win, the Ford’s super-car is equipped with racing style torsion bar push rod setup suspension with adjustable ride height. Like its competitor the McLaren P1, the GT is designed with active aerodynamics such as a rear spoiler whose height and angle calibrate to the cars momentum. Driven by a seven speed dual clutch transaxle transmission the 20 inch wheels surrounded by Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires we’re specifically designed for Fords‘ GT. And what’s going to bring this raging asphalt shredding monster to a halt? Ford’s performance engineered carbon ceramic breaks intended for hyperactive competition.

Enter inside the cockpit of this sleek and sexy hyper-car and you’ll be turned on immediately. Set up like a F1 car, the seat is fixed with steering and pedals adjustable to meet the pilots’ preferences. No clutter on the steering column, drivers will be able to emerge themselves into the world-class performance with Ford’s simplistic layout. A few electronic buttons linked to the latest SYNC technology and sport-car paddle shifters is all you’ll find. Not mimicking the older model too much, the interior was digitally remastered for a more futuristic driving experience. I can’t assure you the delivery date, but I can assure you that this carbon fiber machine won’t be cheap. It’s predecessor hit dealers with a $140,000 sticker in late 2004 for the 2005 model year, so we’ll anxiously await from the manufacturer on details about pricing and delivery for the new GT.

Dream Big – because we are!

Our dream is to earn the Triple Crown for the 9th year in a row.

There are over 4,000 Ford dealerships in the nation. Of these, just over 10 in the country have received the President’s Award 14 times or more; and only 8 dealerships nationally have earned the Triple Crown 8 or more times.

With the 2014 President’s Award already locked in, which is one part of the Triple Crown,we’re just a few vehicles short of being in the Top 100 Ford Sales of the Year. This is the third criteria to make up 2014 Triple Crown Award, which would be the 9th consecutive Triple Crown Award for Waldorf Ford.

WALDORF, Maryland, 4/2/13– After evaluating hundreds of vehicles each year for fuel efficiency, comfort and overall performance, AAA Auto Buying experts have selected their 2013 top vehicle picks for commuters. Both the 2013 Ford Fusion and 2013 Ford Flex have been honored with being chosen by AAA in their respective categories of top sedans and crossovers. With an average commute of 25 minutes each way and gas prices hovering about $3.50 per gallon since February, selecting the right vehicle can make a commute more enjoyable and lower expenses.

“We’re proud to have made AAA’s list with two great picks in the Ford Fusion and Ford Flex,” said Greg Basiliko. “We welcome the community to experience these wonderful products first-hand by stopping by our dealership for a test drive anytime.”

Editor’s Note: Welcome our guest blogger Eric M. Carter! He is a Sales Consultant here at the Waldorf Ford & Dodge Pre-Owned Center, located in Waldorf, Maryland. He has been with us for since 2002. He is originally from Washington, DC and graduated from Largo High School in Largo, Maryland. Mr. Carter stays very busy with this family. His youngest daughter is a national celebrity! If you are familiar with the 2013 Super Bowl Champions – The Baltimore Ravens and our much-loved retired linebacker Ray Lewis, you may remember this VISA credit card commercial titled “Visa NFL: Ray Lewis’s Toughest Interview Yet.” The little girl interviewing “Ray Ray” is Mr. Carter’s daughter. He shows true dedication and heart in everything he does. From being a beloved father of five children (4 girls and 1 boy) and devoted husband, to informing and supporting all of his customers throughout their buying process; Eric prides himself on providing his customers with the Best Sales Experience. Eric has been in the automotive industry for 11 years and his knowledge is expansive. Please make sure to stop by to see him for help. He enjoys exceeding all of his customer’s expectations!

They’ve got a few miles on them and they’ve been around the block a few times but for the money you’ll save, that’s no big deal!

When buying used, prices are often softer than new and that means you you’ll be able to stretch your dollar further. If you need a big car for your family, or want a lot of options like a top of the line stereo but can’t afford that option in a new car, you’ll likely be able to afford it in the used car market even among newer used cars that are less than three years old.

2nd reason: Save on insurance.

Usually, insurance costs are higher for a new car of the same model sold used. Buy used and get a lower quote – it is as simple as that!

3rd Reason: Less depreciation.

The moment you drive a new car off the lot it loses value. A car doesn’t offer the same kind of investment a home does, it will continue to lose value over time. But if you’ve purchased a used car, then you’re already paying less and your loss over time will be less.

The reason for this is that the original owner has already absorbed the largest depreciation hit, so you don’t have to. Finally, another reason there is less depreciation is that you didn’t start at the higher brand new price like in a new vehicle.

4th Reason: Reliability.

Consider the value of a used car between one and three years old. It still may run like a new car or even better since all the bugs from the manufacturer most likely have been worked out.

For example, a slightly used car has had all those little things fixed from recalls, or for air conditioner components, to a lemon of a stereo of which otherwise is a great car. Also, a slightly used car will have plenty of life and will run well for many years to come just so that it is properly maintained just like a new car.

Finally: Making the choice to buy.

So, if your still debating on whether to buy a used vehicle start with asking questions. Begin comparing prices and inquiring about the financing opportunities. But whatever you do, it is always best to buy used from a dealer verse an individual seller. Buying from a dealer is better because if you ever have any further questions you have a place to go back to!

Ford has a fixation on the Toyota Prius V, that homely hybrid schlepper of families who demand more cargo room for antiquing or obscenely large Fender stacks. “That popular hybrid that everyone’s talking about,” Ford snidely remarked in its presentation for the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid in West Hollywood, which got a chuckle out of us media types.

But here’s how things work in the product development team, issuing press releases that mention the Toyota Prius V with aplomb: Ford claims more mileage than the Prius V with their C-MAX. The C-MAX is $1,500 cheaper than the Prius V, before federal incentives. It has more range than the Prius V, more horsepower, and can drive in electric mode at a higher top speed as well.

The C-MAX, in itself, is a curious sight on our shores. Based on the European version, it comes to America as a relatively niche product; as a hybrid in lieu of gasoline and diesel versions that Ford sells in Europe, both variants that could eke out more sportiness and cargo room without battery packs. But “we wanted to offer something that was more unique, in terms of what we’ve got for a family vehicle,” says Ford, and a car that “is really speaking to an electrified type product as opposed to just a general product that offers a hybrid.”

So there you have it — the making of an epic brawl between the Ford C-MAX, a European transplant, and the Prius V. Seeing as there are currently no other hybrids in this weird pseudo-wagon segment, it’s an apt comparison. And one that, as we found out, is more complex than we thought.

We came across a great article on The Auto Channel and thought they had some pretty great points.

1 – Determine your PRACTICAL NEEDS for a new vehicle;

How will you be using your new car? How many passengers will you be carrying? What type of topography will you be driving on? How far will you be driving each week? Will your new car be too tall to fit into your garage? Will your 6’5” son be able to sit in the back seat? Do you need to haul lots of luggage or recreational gear? Will you be in a car pool? ETC.

2 – Determine your BUDGET and STICK TO IT

Remember the cost of the vehicle is just one of your monthly costs. Fuel, Maintenance, Depreciation, End Value, Insurance, Repairs are just a few of the additional costs of operating a car.

Today’s cars and trucks are made really well and with the proper care will remain serviceable almost forever, the average age a consumer owns their car has risen to over 8 years…so if you hate it you will have a lot of disagreeable moments over the next decade…so you better make sure you are really happy with your choice.

4 – Test Drive, Test Drive, Test Drive, Test Drive

Buying your next vehicle should not just be a couple of hour task but should take place only after careful considerations and research. And after investing your time to do steps 1,2 and 3, and then coming up with your short list of potentials, DON’T BLOW IT! Spend your next two weekends driving each car or truck on your short list.

4A. Do not test drive with your spouse or partner

Do it alone. Then compare notes about each car, by being alone no matter what you are offered or pressured to do, you have a built in excuse not to buy until you talk to your significant other, make sure you are absolutely 100% sure you can have a long term relationship with this vehicle!

TEST DRIVE WITHOUT A TIME LIMIT

Take your Test Drives not for 10 minutes but for hours, take your potential purchases to the same places you will be driving each day, see how it parks in your regular parking lot… see how it handles a trip to the supermarket, see how it handles the bumpy roads on your shortcuts, see how it does in the rain (or snow and ice), see how it does in stop and go traffic, because the decision you make will either make you happy or miserable forever, and aren’t you worth the time to find out?

The team here at Waldorf Ford agrees with all of these points, with the exception of maybe one. We will say, we would rather have you test drive with your significant other, simply because if you do decide to purchase while you are here, the process will be easier. We will not pressure you or hassle you into buying if you are not ready. However if you feel more comfortable without your other half, then we are happy to help you by answering any and all questions and by taking you on a test drive. We want satisfied customers before, during and after the sale.

When you are ready to buy your new car, we hope that Waldorf Ford will be on your short list of places to shop. We are located on Route 301 north in Waldorf MD, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.